Bend

It was a tough decision to leave the Oregon coast midway down the state, but there were a couple destinations inland that I just knew I couldn't miss. Namely, Bend and the Crater Lake area. What can I say about Bend except that it is a vortex of fun that sucks you in and makes you never want to leave. I had heard good things about this place, the brewery capital of Oregon, and decided to book myself a night at the Bunk 'n Brew hostel in Bend. Little did I know this would turn into four days and nights of good times and foggy memories of river cruising, tasty grub and all kinds of fun adventures with good beer and great company.

As I made my way from Florence through Eugene and onto Bend, I had decided to break up the long drive with a hike to Blue Pond, as was recommended to me by some locals at a watering hole in Florence. This two hour hike brings you along a flowing blue river to its starting point, Blue Pond. At first it doesn't seem to make sense how this rapid waterway can come from this small body of water with seemingly no source of input. What is actually happening is that this pond is fed from underground. Fed from a river further up that submerges beneath the earth in a lava tube, the water returns to the surface at Blue Pond to become a river once more. Onto Bend and the Bunk 'n Brew hostel where I had booked myself a bed for the evening. After 5 days of sleeping in my car along the Oregon cost and only showering at cold beach showers along the way, I was looking forward to the luxury of having a place to call home complete with warm showers, laundry, a complete kitchen and WiFi! How decadent. This hostel in an old historic house was inviting from the get go, with a free beer at check in and a lovely backyard with hammocks, fire pit, gazebo and lots of fun hang out spots. I met a few other girls off the bat who were travelling solo in their cars like myself and we hit it off. An afternoon of walking along the river, checking out the farmers market and grabbing some pizza was a great way to begin my visit. For the evening, we did a "Hopservatory tour" at Worthy Brewing, where after a beer we got to learn about the universe and check out Saturn, Jupiter, star clusters and a supernova at the observatory.

The following days were mixtures of relaxing around the hostel, organizing myself for the remainder of my trip, and fun Bend activities like rafting down the river, brewery tours, free evening concerts and too many unique bars and restaurants to check out. Although I had only booked myself at the hostel for the first night and they were fully booked following this, the very accommodating owners would allow me to park my vehicle out back and sleep in it while still being able to hang out at the hostel with other travelers and use the facilities. It was really a great situation for me because I find sleeping in my vehicle more comfortable than a small bunk in a room packed with other people.

At this hostel I met so many amazing travellers, but those who fascinated me most were the Pacific Crest Trail hikers who were stopping in at Bend to resupply before continuing on their mission. These PCT hikers had generally already been hiking for 3+ months at this point, starting at the Mexico border and eventually intending on finishing in Canada. This year, with the epic snowfall in the mountains, was proving to be one of the most difficult years to attempt the PCT with large portions of the trail still full of snow, and overflowing rivers being nearly impossible to cross at points. I heard stories of hikers plummeting down glaciers and being swept through rapids and under logs. Deaths have happened. Unending diets of only pasta, oatmeal, tuna packets and trail bars is the norm. Hiking 50 km days with 50 lb packs may be typical. I learned these hiker's trail names: Cave Money, Veggie, Breeze, Ballflap, to name a few. I learned about trail angels who deliver supplies or offer accommodation to PCT hikers. I learned about trail magic when amazing things happen on the path. Part of me thought these people are crazy and causing themselves unnecessary suffering. Part of me wanted to do the same.

It was at this hostel that I had my first car troubles: a dead battery and car that wouldn't start. Thankfully, this was the best place for this to happen as I knew other travelers with vehicles who kindly pushed out my vehicle and jump started it with theirs. Only then did I notice I had left a light on inside. A good lesson to be more careful, and no harm done! Finally after four days I decided I should get back on the road and continue on my travels. After helping another PCT hiker pick up some groceries in the morning, I said my goodbyes and got in the car. I have to admit, it felt a little weird to begin my trip alone again and be without company. I would miss that place and the people, but next stop would be the magnificent Crater Lake. Stay posted! -Amanda